Why Impatiens Don't Bloom

Features

• These annuals prefer partial-shade locations with filtered sunlight two to four hours a day. Direct sun or heavy shade inhibits blooming.

Considerations

• Impatiens grow best in moist soils. They drop flower buds or do not bloom when water-stressed by too much or too little water. Water once a week in warm weather or when soil is dry.

Effects

• Plant impatiens in moist, part-shade locations. These same conditions encourage bloom-inhibiting fungus disease usually treatable by common garden fungicides.

Expert Insight

• Encourage impatiens blooms with regular fertilizer. Horticulturist Jauron suggests mixing slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time. Apply water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Solution

• When impatiens languish with few or no blooms and lackluster foliage, cut back to healthy foliage, re-fertilize and water to stimulate new blooms.